Balaboosta and the end of #thirdee

Always up for a new food adventure, mom and I headed to Balaboosta for dinner on the eve of my actually birthday. Balaboosta is a middle eastern/mediterranean spot in Nolita. Balaboosta is Yiddish for "perfect housewife", it made me chuckle a little when I found that out. This cozy restaurant has a homelike feel, but the food is anything but simple. The dishes are interesting, full of flavor and absolutely delicious. 

Mom and I were really excited they had a bottle of Rose we loved from the Nuit Rose boat cruise.  It was a 2012 Coteauz D'aix En Provence.

You always get complimentary Yuka chips. These were crunchy and light with a slightly spicy seasoning.

We started with two appetizers. The first was the Fresh Ricotta Bruschetta topped with bresaola, grilled figs, arugula and toasted pecans.

Next, we shared the Market Salad which was simple, crisp and refreshing.

Mom decided on an entree special, Saffron Spaghetti with mussels and roasted tomatoes.

I settled on the Braised Short Ribs with sauteed okra, oven dried tomato, spinach and a chickpea cake.
SO MUCH FOOD.

We ended the night with dessert (of course).

Welcome to my actual birthday...June 16th. Mom and I started the day at the wonderful St. Balmain in Brooklyn.

I decided to have the Saints Salad with Grilled Chicken. I convinced mom to have the incredible Avocado Toast aka my favorite.

Since it was my birthday, we hopped in a cab and headed to Dumbo. I was in search of this view and luckily found it.

We wandered to Brooklyn Bridge Park for some incredible views of the city. 

Ready to go back to Manhattan, we jumped on the East River Ferry. The Ferry is a great option to get around western Brooklyn and then back to Manhattan. The views of the city are incredible.

The day ended with Family Dinner. I can not imagine a better way to ring in #thirdee. I'm so grateful for the people in my life who helped me feel celebrated and loved.

Cheers.

Catch with a side of Christian Louboutin

The #thirdee celebration continued into the evening. After a rest and quick change following an afternoon of sunshine and rose, the Frans (plus a few others) headed to Catch in the Meatpacking District for dinner. Catch is a contemporary American seafood restaurant who's chef, Hung Huynh, won season 3 of Top Chef. Most dishes are meant to be shared family style, which made it just right for my birthday dinner. 

Mer pre-ordered, so the menu was set, and I waited in excitement as each dish arrived. We sat out on their newly opened rooftop, which was incredible but slightly chilly as the sun set. I was grateful when they switched on the heat lamps. 

(Photo c/o emmgrp.com)

Feeling adventurous, I started with a cocktail. They have a delicious cocktail menu, right up my alley, but I ended up choosing the Pink Sangria - Rose, Hennessey, Apricot & Peach. This is the Seraphina - Ginger infused Bombay Sapphire Gin, Watermelon Juice, Lemon & Agave. 

Michael and Lindsey (love them) treated the table to a bottle of bubbly in honor of my birthday. What a delicious gift!

First out were the Parmesan-Truffle Fries. Truffle...cheese...french fries? I died and went to heaven.

We were treated to a couple sushi rolls next. First, is the Hellfire Roll - Spicy Tuna two-ways, pear and balsamic. Second, the Catch Roll - Crab, Salmon and Miso-Honey.

These little bites are the Crunchy Rice Cakes - Tuna Tartare over a rice cake.

This was a show stopper - Macaroni & Lobster Cream.

Finally, the Sake Chicken Lettuce "Cups" - Marinated Chicken, Hoison and Crispy Sweet Potato.

Next, came presents. The Frans truly out did themselves this year. I have many "love languages", but "gift-giving" is definitely a way I enjoy being loved.

This is very shallow, but nice shoes are the perfect gift to get me (note to future husband). I know I can't take any of them with me when I die, but man do they look pretty on my feet and make me feel fierce.

A girl never forgets her first pair of Christian Louboutin shoes. Elegance. Red Bottoms. Luxury.

After contemplating my wish, I blew out the candle, my heart overflowing with gratitude and joy. I had an overwhelming sense of love in my heart and I don't for a second take for granted this beautiful life I get to live.

You could say I was the "lady in red". Gosh my Frans are gorgeous.

xoxoxoxo